Bravery Class for Shy Dogs

Shy/fearful dogs often can’t enjoy common dog activities in the city because of their anxieties. Our Bravery classes provide a calm, quiet classroom environment that is uniquely suited for safe and comfortable relationship-building between owners and their shy dogs. Because each shy dog is different, we offer two different Bravery tracks – “People” and “Environments.”

The “People” Bravery class is intended for dogs who may be scared when meeting new people or seeing strange people outside on walks or in the home. This class helps dogs learn to build positive associations to seeing new people, and being greeted and handled.

The “Environments” Bravery class is intended for dogs who struggle to feel comfortable in new neighborhoods or scenarios, and who may be fearful of noises or easily startled when outside. This class will help dogs build positive associations to new situations, environments and sounds.

These classes are not suitable for dogs who have shown fear-based aggression or reactivity towards people or dogs, including lunging or having a history of having bitten previously.

For dogs who may find the classroom environment overwhelming, we also offer a limited number of auditing spaces for guardians who wish to learn these calming techniques and apply them in the comfort of their own home.

Fees: $175 (If your dog was adopted from a shelter or 501(c)(3) rescue group, the fee is $150). Limited humans-only auditing spaces available at $75 each - if interested in auditing, please call us at 415-522-3509.

Course prerequisites: Dogs must be 5 months or older and current on all vaccinations, including rabies, to participate. These classes are not suitable for dogs who have shown aggression or reactivity towards people or dogs, including lunging or having a history of having bitten previously. If you are not sure if this class is appropriate for your dog, please email dogtraining@sfspca.org or call 415-522-3509 before registering.

Location: 243 Alabama Street

Class includes: Handbook and soft-touch clicker

Class capacity: 6 dogs

Instructor: Althea Karwowski

Registration:

If you would like to register for a Bravery class, please fill out the Bravery Questionnaire. The instructor will review your form, and then we will contact you directly for registration.